The Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the largest Italian American charitable organization in the United States, will honor Dr. Peter A. Cognetti, Lackawanna County, as the UNICAN of the Year for his social and charitable work on behalf of the community according to Sal Mecca, chapter president.

Cognetti will be feted at the annual charitable fundraiser set for Saturday, Jan. 26 at Genettiâ??s, Dickson City. The POETS will entertain. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. Reservations are strongly recommended and cost $60 per person. They can be made by calling 570.558.5819. This event is open to the public. Congratulatory ad opportunities are available.


A graduate of Scranton Preparatory, Cognetti graduated summa cum laude from the University of Scranton and received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He was the outstanding family practice graduate and given that recognition by the Philadelphia Family Practice Society. He completed his residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Family Practice and received the Meade Johnson National Award and Scholarship for top family practice residents.

Cognetti is board certified in family practice and served as president of the Lackawanna County chapter Pennsylvania Academy of Family Practice and served as president of the Mercy Hospital medical staff. He was named to the Pennsylvania Health Policy Board by the late Gov. Robert Casey.

He serves as president of the medical staff of St. Josephâ??s Center, Scranton.

Cognetti is currently president of the Columbus Day Association of Lackawanna County, a member of the Board of the Scranton Chapter UNICO, chaired Hoops for Hospice and co-chaired the Haiti Ambulance Fund and served on United Wayâ??s Board. He was named the Boys and Girls Clubâ??s Man of the Year in 1998.

He and his wife, Marianne have five children and reside in Waverly.